Newberg-Dundee school board votes to fire superintendent amid his leave

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Newberg-Dundee School District board has voted to fire its superintendent.

This comes months after Dr. Stephen Phillips went on medical leave, amid public criticism over the superintendent's handling of the district's finances.

Calls for Phillips' ousting came after he waited until late May to inform school board members that the district overspent its budget by millions of dollars.

Phillips' contract specifies that if he is let go, he must be given a year's notice, plus salary and benefits.

Paula Radich, former longtime superintendent of Newberg schools, has stepped in as an interim replacement — but her contract expires on Aug. 13.

The community will be able to comment on the firing decision, and the hiring process, at the next board meeting on Aug 13.